When people hear about Stillwater sports teams and activities, their minds trail to football, volleyball, basketball, tennis and soccer. People tend to forget about bowling, a fun activity that many may do for fun with their friends and family.

 The bowling team is a fun alternative during the fall, to join, for something fun to do. It has been a team for about six years and every year the team has fun. The relationships of the team members are close knit and they end up spending a nice amount of time together during the bowling season.

The team is sponsored by Stillwater Bowl. Even though bowling is a sport that is enjoyable to play with family or friends, the bowling team takes it to another level.

 The team practices on Mondays and Wednesdays and has matches on Friday afternoons. The matches are held at different bowling centers around the metro area.

 Head Coach Brian Gibson explained, “Our season just ended last Friday. We had a record of  9 wins and 7 losses in our regular season matches this year. We were seeded third for the Conference Tournament. After losing to second seeded Tartan in our first match, we defeated White Bear Lake for 3rd place overall. Not bad considering we have mostly underclassmen, having lost five Seniors from last years team.”

 Even though the team has been doing well this year, they have lost many valued players. Many do not know of this sporting option, which also explains why more people have yet to join the fun.

 Gibson said, “I’m disappointed that our program hasn’t grown in numbers over the 6 years we have had a team. In the past we have been able to also field a JV team with as many as 14 kids in 2009 and 2012.”

 The team is always open to including and adding on to their team. Bowling is a co-ed sport and they have yet to get girls more involved. It is important to give the team more recognition especially after what they have accomplished  throughout the six years that they have had a team.

Gibson explained, “This year we started with five bowlers and added two more during the season. Somehow we need to get more kids to come join us.”

 Bowling is a great way to meet new people and includes a variety of ages. It encourages the bonding of many ages, boys and girls, and is a great activity to keep up throughout your lifetime.

 Gibson said, “7th – 12th grades are eligible and it is a co-ed sport.”

 There are many goals that the team would like to reach. Brian Gibson would love to encourage and help the kids that may start out at different levels.

 Gibson described, “I like to help kids improve their skills to make the game more fun. All levels are encouraged to sign up. Beginners to experienced Junior League bowlers have been the makeup of our teams. Bowling is a great lifetime activity.”

 Bowling may not be a well known sport, but the team has accomplished a lot. The team has gone on for six years and has helped many people with improving their skills. More people are encouraged to check out the team and support them next fall with yet another great season.